Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
External beam radiotherapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
You might have both external radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy. Internal radiotherapy gives radiation to the cancer from inside the prostate gland.
Find out more about internal radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Your radiotherapy team needs to plan your external radiotherapy before you start treatment. This means working out the dose of radiotherapy you need and exactly where you need it.
You have external radiotherapy for prostate cancer in a hospital radiotherapy department. You usually have it as an outpatient each weekday over 2 to 8 weeks.
Radiotherapy to the prostate can cause some side effects. These include loose or watery poo (diarrhoea) and problems passing urine.
You might have long term side effects after having external radiotherapy for prostate cancer. These include problems getting an erection and bowel and bladder problems.
Last reviewed: 25 Jun 2025
Next review due: 25 Jun 2028
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
